box turtle and yellow bellied slider

Question
My son just recieved 2 turtles for a birthday present.  the slider is a baby and the box turtle is about the size of a baseball.  The slider was bought at a store and the box found in northern kentucky.  What do each eat and what is the best living arrangement for both.  I have a 10 gallon aquarium for the slider.  Box i havn't done anything with yet. please inform eating, housing, etc.


Answer
First of all- a reality check. Turtles are not the easiest animals to care for, and are not good pets for younger children. It may be best for everyone if the animals are appreciated, then turned over to someone who can care for them and/or released back where they came from. (Especially the box- in many places the populations are already threatened.)

Now- if you've decided to go ahead with this, congratulations! Properly cared for, the turtles should provide interesting family pets for the next 15-20 years!

Some of the best care info can be found at or though the California Turtle and Tortoise Club's site www.tortoise.org. Their care sheets for pond turtles (http://tortoise.org/general/watcare.html) and box turtles (http://tortoise.org/general/boxcare.html) will get you started nicely. They also have a good section for links to other sites that can help.

Good luck!